Six Ways To Curb Your Sugar Cravings
There is no doubt that sweets can be addictive. There’s just something about it that gets our taste buds so hooked, making it almost hard for us to avoid. However, we all know that liking too much sugar can take a toll our health – weight gain and high blood sugar levels, among many others. And while there are many reasons why one craves sugar, there is no doubt that withdrawing from such obsession, just like any other, can be very challenging. So if you are one of those who just happen to be sugar addicted and has decided to completely go cold turkey from this wicked obsession, read on and learn how you can curb your Sugar Cravings by following these six simple ways.
1. Clean Up Your Fridge And Pantry
Yes, you read it right: clean up your fridge and pantry! The first and most important part of fighting your sugar cravings (and make sure you succeed) is by getting rid of the main culprits – which means anything that is sweet and loaded with too much sugar has to go. Frosted cereals, sugar coated biscuits, candies – all these sweet temptations should no longer have space in your pantry. The best way to avoid something is by not seeing (or getting your hands on) it, after all!
2. Drink Lots Of Water
Sometimes, you may think that you are craving sugar when in fact, your body is just dehydrated! Avoid unnecessary sweet cravings by drinking loads of water and keeping your body hydrated. Not only will this method rid of your sweet addiction, but it will also keep your skin beautiful and glowing. Find plain ol water too hard to drink? Infuse your water with your choices of fruits (lemon, orange, strawberries – you name it) overnight and drink the next day and enjoy that naturally mild sweet taste that will curb your sugar cravings.
3. Engage More To Physical Activities
High amounts of serotonin, otherwise known as the “happiness hormone,” is released through physical activities. The abundant presence of this hormone in the body will help curb one’s addiction to sugar. Additionally, serotonin can also be raised through diet and getting the right amount of sleep. So keep moving, eat well, and make sure that you’re getting enough sleep to boost your serotonin.
4. Eat More Leafy Greens
Ever find yourself craving specifically for chocolates? Studies show that people who crave chocolate (in particular) might have a deficiency in the mineral magnesium. Fight this micronutrient deficiency and avoid sudden sugar cravings by adding more leafy greens (which are known rich sources of magnesium) into your diet such as spinach, kale, and collard greens.
5. Substitute Processed Sweets With Fruits
Ditch that slice of cake or candy bar and opt for a piece fruit instead! Fruits won’t just satisfy your sweet tooth; they are also loaded with vitamins and fiber that are good for your body’s overall health. Additionally, fruits are naturally sweet because of fructose – a type of sugar that is metabolized differently compared to sucrose which is normally found in table sugar and commercialized sweets.
6. Stay Away From Artificial Sweeteners
Although artificial sweeteners are a total life-saver for many dieters and people who have diabetes, studies show that they can trigger sugar cravings. Aspartame, saccharine, and many others found in most diet sodas and sugar-free treats are found to make changes in your palate which will eventually make you want to stuff your taste buds with more sweets to feel satisfied. So the next time you find yourself about to pour that sachet of Splenda into your coffee, opt for a natural sweetener like muscovado or coconut sugar which are essentially just as sweet and satisfying.
